Director, People Strategy & Culture/Director, Human Resources

Who are we?  

Founded in the heart of Kendall Square in 2013, LabCentral is a network of shared laboratory spaces and scientific communities that serve as a launchpad for high-potential life-sciences and biotech start-ups. We deliver first-class facility and operational support, skilled laboratory personnel, and an expansive events program designed to add value to the community and promote connectivity‒ as well as the other critical services and support that early-stage companies need to begin start-up operations.  

What is this role? 

Are you inspired by and dedicated to helping people with career growth and development? Do you enjoy contributing to and enhancing workplace culture and employee engagement?  

LabCentral is seeking a Director of People Strategy & Culture/Director of HR that will report into the Chief Operating Officer. This role requires an empathetic and adept coach, a deep knowledge of employee policy and benefits administration, an ability to collect and analyze HR data, and a commitment to company culture and employee experience.  

This role is a replacement for the previous Director who is helping to support filling the role and the transition. 

What Will I do?  

Responsibilities: 

People:  

• Exemplify and promote a work environment and culture aligned with LabCentral’s mission and values 

• Establish credibility and trust throughout the organization and be a valuable partner and coach to the business; build strong connections and communication lines among employees and between site locations 

• Interpret and implement policy information and support employees and managers with understanding and compliance, recommend improvements as needed  

• Oversee and engage in talent acquisition to attract and hire talent  

• Oversee bi-annual engagement surveys to understand employee experience, develop strategies to affect change where needed 

• Work collaboratively with leadership, the DEIB Committee, and the other members of the People Strategy team to identify and drive companywide people strategies related to DEIB 

• Lead performance review cycles, coach managers to support development and performance goals of individual employees  

• Advise and counsel employees and managers in areas such as organizational development, talent and career development, compensation, employee engagement, headcount planning, and performance improvement plans 

• Partner with employees and managers at all levels to address and resolve employee relations matters; conduct investigations and terminations as needed 

People Strategy Team Management 

• Regular 1:1s with direct reports, providing coaching on work challenges, alleviating bottlenecks, helping prioritize work focus, developing skills, and sharing feedback 

• Keeping the pulse of the team, understanding pinch points that inhibit company effectiveness/growth and challenges to increasing productivity  

• Identifying resources, such as cross-training and structured learning, to support their growth and learning 

Process:  

• Create, drive, and execute on team OKRs 

• Evaluate existing programs and initiatives, such as training and development, the intern program, and team building, and finding creative refreshes  

• Maintain, evaluate, and implement technology utilized by the People Strategy department including the HRIS, ATS, LMS and other 3rd party resources 

• Create data dashboard to analyze trends and metrics to optimize People Strategy areas: 

• Annually evaluate and select employee benefit programs including but not limited to major medical and 401(k) 

• Audit time off usage and support managers with utilization of data 

• Review budget and align spend with company needs and priorities 

• Manage People Strategy budget 

• Ensure compliance with laws and regulations 

What do I bring? 

Desired qualifications:   

• 8-12 years of progressive HR experience, including multiple years in leadership roles 

• Experience in HR operations: policies, benefits, technology, analytics, budget management, performance management, employee relations, and employment law; some full cycle recruiting experience helpful 

• Ability to operate in ambiguity and use astute judgement 

• Experience working in biotech, multi-site orgs, small to medium-size businesses that are established are all pluses but not required 

• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, including the demonstrated ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with staff at all levels and to deal with confidential information and all employee matters with diplomacy and discretion 

• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people 

• Integrity, ability to navigate challenging and confidential issues, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed 

In your first six months, you will:    

• Immerse yourself in the team, build relationships, learn the organization 

• Learn our systems and provide feedback on how to do things better 

Work environment :  

• All employees are expected to work onsite during regular business hours for an initial 6 months with the potential for a hybrid schedule being role dependent and evaluated following this period of time 

• Ability to sit for long periods, ability to move around an office environment, and ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand  

• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 25 pounds 

• Ability to commute between LabCentral sites regularly (all based locally to Boston and Cambridge) 

What do we offer?  

Benefits: 

• Fully Covered Medical and Dental Premiums: We have you and your dependents covered, including deductible costs.  

• Long and Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance: Life can be unexpected; we’ve got your back. 

• Flexible Vacation: Enjoy the flexibility to take the time you need.  

• Three Months Fully Paid Parental Leave: We’ll help support you during life's important moments. 

• 401K Match Up to 6% with Immediate Vestment: Know your future is secure with our 401K match. 

• Transportation Reimbursements: We'll cover commuting costs for a parking pass, MBTA, or bike maintenance so you can get to work hassle-free. 

• Health & Wellness: Relax and enjoy reimbursements for fitness, yoga, massage therapy, and other holistic health practices. 

• Technology Stipend: To ensure you stay connected, we offer a monthly cell phone stipend as well as yearly reimbursements for cell phone repairs. 

• Professional Growth: We offer a stipend for continuing education and training to invest in your career growth, and we help ease the burden of student loans by providing reimbursement. 

• Fantastic Work Environment: Be inspired by colleagues and residents, and work in vibrant spaces that are stocked with a variety of snacks. Plus, we offer in-house programming on thought-provoking and diverse topics! 

Compensation 

Our compensation philosophy is intentional and researched to align with average market salaries; comprehensive, generous benefits to support overall well-being; and parity with our existing and future team members. Below details the value of what our compensation package may look like, but specific details pertaining to an individual will vary.  

Salary range: $140-160k along with the potential to earn a bonus of 16% based on company performance.  

Approximate monetary value of benefits including potential bonus ranges from $50k to $75k based on an benefits choices (for example, enrolling as an individual or family healthcare package). 

Equal Opportunity Employer  

LabCentral is committed to building teams that reflect the fabric of the city around us. We welcome all candidates regardless of race, color, ancestry, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, Veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Any other human expressions and experiences not mentioned here are equally welcome. If you require an accommodation, please let us know. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.